This gem of a lounge will thrill your senses with its delectable cuisine and mesmerising setting says Puja Tiwari.
Coda Jazz Lounge at Atiram Premier Hotel, Juffair, is undoubtedly one of the trendiest social spots in town right now. It has, in a very short while, gained an almost legendary reputation for its ambience and music. What most don’t know is that the food served here rivals that of any fine-dining eatery.
The décor is swanky and lavish, with dim lighting and dark, plush seating as an ode to the classy, historical jazz bars in America. And DJ Danzel spins soulful beats till Dihann Moore & The SheGroovee band take over the stage from 9pm onwards.
Coda is the brainchild of manager Damian D’Costa who took his inspiration from bistros in New York. He says: “Being true to our concept, we feature menus that are short and sweet, but strong. We only use the finest quality ingredients for each dish.
“We are not a fine dining venue but the excellent, overall experience is what keeps people coming back.”
The menu, a work of art in its own right, has a fine selection of starters, mains and desserts. Each item is cleverly named after a popular jazz tune. A list of sophisticated beverages with rather enticing illustrations conveys mixology as an equally important aspect of the place.
Our supper started with a glass of sweet and crisp house grape. After a few suggestions from Damian and the food and beverage manager, Sandeep, we made our choices.
A passion fruit and watermelon mix, a Manhattan and the signature Puka Puka cocktail were brought to the table. The presentation of each is nothing short of theatrical. Their fruity, zesty notes make the perfect counterbalance to the summer heat.
Steaming pots of smoked red pepper soup with hints of onion, garlic and celery made for delicious appetisers. A bowl of classic Caesar salad with iceberg lettuce, grilled chicken, bacon bits and parmesan cheese was next. The dressing was decadent, yet light enough to leave room for more.
Batter fried tempura shrimp with Cajun spices was nothing but crispy goodness, probably one of the best of its kind I’ve ever tasted. It’s also ideal as a bar snack and a separate menu for small eats such as zucchini fritters and chicken quesadilla is available to pair with drinks.
I swayed to zippy melodies and let the relaxing vibes set in, and within minutes the rest of the meal was served.
We had the grilled salmon, cheekily named ‘Lazy River – Pete Fountain’, consisting of fish marinated in salt, black pepper, mustard and lemon juice, with a side of jasmine rice and baby steamed vegetables. It was astoundingly flavourful and tangy.
Bacon-wrapped chicken breast stuffed with dry apricot and pistachios with a chicken liver reduction sauce was the most interesting dish. The stuffing was savoury with a touch of sweetness while the meat was delectably tender.
Angus tenderloin with truffle and parmesan potato wedges is a must-try for steak lovers. The meat was perfectly seared with a melt-in-the-mouth consistency and the chimichuri sauce only added to the overall palatability.
The feast ended with the sweetness of the indulgent chocolate mousse and blueberry cheesecake – the perfect conclusion.
For those who don’t want to go à la carte, an unlimited sushi promotion runs every Monday for BD15 from 7-11pm for seafood lovers.
At Coda, you can enjoy a great evening out with a full scope of entertainment and dining without burning a hole in your wallet. The impeccable service, elegant atmosphere and scintillating music will surely put this spot at the top of your list of favourites.
Call 34 342-828.
